In robbery season,jittery jewellers get police assurance & advice

“Several jewellers were concerned about their businesses after a couple of jewellery shops were broken into by robbers. They had suggested that police patrolling in areas with several jewellery markets be stepped up and we felt there was a need to sensitise them about safety measures that they can enforce,in addition to (providing) excess police cover. We identified around 21 areas in the city which have a cluster of jeweller establishments including shops,and offices of traders and brokers and for the past week,we have been holding meetings with the jewellers associations of these areas,” said JCP (Crime) Himanshu Roy.

“We have also offered to assist the jewellers in procuring gun licences if they feel it necessary. We have also suggested they register all their employees with their local police station and not buy stolen jewellery,” said Roy,adding they will also verify in a fortnightly audit whether the jewellers have complied with the suggested precautions.

Police stations and zonal DCPs have been asked to conduct meetings and advise associations to strictly implement the measures suggested. “Installation of CCTVs,burglar alarms,sirens and safety doors has been our long-standing instructions to all jewellers but only those with big showrooms comply. Often several cases of robberies could have been solved easily and quicker using CCTV footage,but during investigation we find that there were no cameras installed,” said a police official.

Kumar Jain,vice president of the Mumbai Jewellers Association,said they have been asking their members to strictly follow the suggestions.

The Mumbai police will increase patrolling in the jewellery markets,especially at night,and have asked jewellers to post armed guards,if not for every shop then at least for a group of shops. Crime Branch units have been asked to develop sources inside jails,as heists may be plotted inside.

Striking gold
March 19: Ambika Jewellers in Khar robbed of ornaments worth Rs 25 lakh
March 28: Employee of KGK Diamonds robbed of diamonds worth Rs 1.3 crore; Rs 1.16 crore recovered from seven arrested
April 10: Jewellery shop in Kamathipura robbed of over 4 kg gold worth over Rs 50 lakh
April 13: Jeweller Bharat Dhing shot dead by unidentifiedassailant
April 14: Diamond trader’s office robbed of gems worth Rs 4 crore; Rs 2.6 crore recovered from arrested broker
April 15: Three arrested for allegedly plotting a dacoity at Kandivli jewellery shop
April 25: Diamond broker arrested